(175d) Acid Regenerator Optimization for Increased Unit Throughput

This discussion presents steps taken to increase unit throughput by pushing existing equipment beyond historical maximum rates using an acid regenerator tower case study in an HF Alkylation unit. Process changes at the acid regenerator contributed to record breaking alkylate production in March of 2017.

Acid regenerator optimization included process step tests, tower scans, and evaluation of adjacent equipment capacity. Regenerator optimization allowed for over 15% tower feed rate increase. This supports demonstrated acid strength recovery at increased unit throughputs for record breaking monthly average alkylate production.